UK DRAFFT - A Randomised Controlled Trial of Percutaneous Fixation with Kirschner Wires versus Volar Locking-Plate Fixation in the Treatment of Adult Patients with a Dorsally Displaced Fracture of the Distal Radius.

Fractures of the distal radius are extremely common injuries in adults. However, the optimal management remains controversial. In general, fractures of the distal radius are treated non-operatively if the bone fragments can be held in anatomical alignment by a plaster cast or orthotic. However, if this is not possible, then operative fixation is required. There are several operative options but the two most common in the UK, are Kirschner-wire fixation (K-wires) and volar plate fixation using fixed-angle screws (locking-plates). Costa ML, Achten J, Parsons NR, Rangan A, Edlin RP, Brown J, Lamb SE. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2011 Sep 13;12(1):201. [Epub ahead of print] PMID:  21914196  PDF